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Friday afternoon, there was a ceremony at Milwaukee's federal courthouse.

A musical presentation by the children of the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin opened the ceremony Friday afternoon.

"We are gradually healing with the help of families, friends, community. This forum is part of that process," Sikh temple president Dr. Kulant S. Dhaliwal said.

The ceremony was attended by U.S. Attorney James Santelle, who read a letter sent to him by Attorney General Eric Holder.

"The Justice Department announced it is allocating funds to help victims of tragedies like this one," U.S. Attorney James Santelle read.

Temple member Mandeep Kaur said many things have changed over the past year.

"All the doors, all the windows are bulletproof now. The doors automatically lock, and unless somebody lets you in from the inside, you can't come in from the outside," Kaur said.

There are security guards in places there never were before. Kaur said bullet holes in the chapel were left on purpose. She said they can never forget what happened here, nor should they.

"All our emotions are coming back, and it does not feel like it was a year ago. We feel like it just happened yesterday," Kaur said.

Both Wisconsin U. S. senators called the tragedy a violent act of hate that has no place in our society.

"We may never know the evil that resides in someone's heart, evil so great that it could lead to such hatred and violence toward others who were only perceived to be different," U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson said.

"We are inspired by our Sikh community, whose response to this tragedy over the last year is not only an inspiration to me personally but to every citizen in Wisconsin," U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin said.

A memorial to the victims, with wreaths, flags and flowers, stands outside the temple.Oak Creek's mayor said last year's attack brought the city closer together.

"I think the message of Oak Creek to the nation and to the world is that you can survive something like this and actually be a better, stronger community," Mayor Steve Scaffidi said.